Interview with “Birr Adayu Meri” author Zelalem Melu

Abdi Mohammed Omar (Abdi Illee) was the former president of the Somali region in Ethiopia. On August 8, 2018, he was arrested on charges of human rights violations and inciting the second largest ethnic violence in the region that resulted in multiple deaths and property damages. Much can be said about Abdi Illee during his 15 years stay in power. Out of many, journalist and author, Zelalem Melu wrote down how the regime was during his visit to the region. In his book, he wrote about Abdi Illee’s large entourage and how he used to give away huge amounts of cash to the people.